Former FDU standout slain during Harlem basketball tournament shooting; 2 wounded

HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- A star on the basketball courts of New York City was killed and two others were injured in a shooting during an annual basketball tournament in Harlem on Friday.

Kinu Rochford of Brooklyn was shot in the head just before 10:30 p.m. at 70 Lenox Ave. A 28-year-old man was shot in the shin and a 22-year-old woman was shot in the forearm, according to police.

EMS rushed Rochford to the hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead, police said. The other two victims were taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Rochford was a former basketball player at Fairleigh Dickinson University. The team called him a "standout Knight and leader" in a tribute social media post. He was also regarded as one of the most gifted players in the five boroughs.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted on X saying,

"I am heartbroken for the family of the man who was killed last night at a basketball tournament in Harlem. This senseless violence must stop. New Yorkers deserve to spend the summer watching and playing sports, attending community events, and enjoying our public spaces - places where families, friends and neighbors joyfully gather, not where people are at risk of becoming victims to gun violence. We are working closely with our community partners to provide services to those affected and the entire community. Our administration is using every lever across agencies to prevent further violence and ensure all New Yorkers can safely enjoy the city this summer."

The Kingdom Games, which organized the tournament, called the shooting a "devastating tragedy." It said that "updates regarding the remainder of the 2026 Kingdom Games season will be shared when appropriate."

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